Parents

Bites and Scratches

Animal bites and scratches, even minor ones, can sometimes lead to complications. Whether the animal is a family pet (in kids, most animal bites are from dogs) or a creature from the wild, scratches and bites can carry disease.

Some bites, especially those from cats, can become infected by bacteria from the animal's mouth. And cat scratch disease, a bacterial infection, can be transmitted by a cat scratch (usually from a kitten) even if the site of the scratch doesn't look infected. Certain animals — such as bats, raccoons, and foxes — can transmit rabies.

Kids whose tetanus shots are not up to date will need a shot (post-exposure tetanus prophylaxis) after an animal bite to prevent tetanus infection.

What to Do:

If the bite or scratch wound is bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a clean bandage or towel until the bleeding stops. If available, use clean latex or rubber gloves to protect yourself and to prevent the wound from getting infected.

If the wound is not bleeding heavily, clean the wound with soap and water, and hold it under running water for several minutes.

Dry the wound, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.

Call your doctor if the bite or scratch broke or punctured the skin, even if the area is small. A child who is bitten by an animal may need antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or rarely, a series of rabies shots. A bite or scratch on a child's face, hand, or foot is particularly prone to infection and should be evaluated by your doctor as soon as possible.

If your child was bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar or wild animal, note the location of the animal. Some animals may have to be captured, confined, and observed for rabies. But do not try to capture the animal yourself. Look in your phone book for the number of an animal control office or animal warden in your area.

Seek immediate medical care if:

the wound is on the face, neck, hand, foot, or near a joint

the wound won't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure

the wound appears to be deep, large, or is associated with severe injuries